Assessor Resource

CUALGT304
Install and operate follow spots

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to install and operate follow spots for productions in the screen, media and entertainment industries.

It applies to individuals who have the ability to modify spot cues in response to unexpected movements during performances. Follow spot operators work with other members of the team and are typically supervised by a senior lighting technician or lighting designer.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Install follow spots

1.1 Position follow spots and accessories according to relevant documentation and safety procedures, ensuring operator and audience safety

1.2 Install and secure spot technical support requirements according to procedures and specifications

1.3 Install manual colour changer correctly and colour according to lighting plans

1.4 Test follow spots to confirm they are operational and accessories are in working order, and seek assistance if required

1.5 Focus follow spots and check multiple spots for consistency of focus and colour temperature

2. Participate in technical or creative run-throughs

2.1 Rehearse technical aspects of production and communicate with performers and relevant personnel as required

2.2 Set back-up options in the event of an equipment malfunction and test to ensure they are in working order

2.3 Plot and run through cues on direction from relevant personnel and according to equipment, sequencing, timing and speed requirements

2.4 Note required equipment deficiencies or technical adjustments to equipment and cues, and modify cue sheets as required

2.5 Execute necessary changes according to modifications required

3. Prepare to operate follow spots

3.1 Power up and check follow spots and follow spot accessories and dimmer are in working order according to power-up procedures

3.2 Check colours and operation of colour changer

3.3 Confirm final requirements for equipment operation have been identified, implemented and documented

3.4 Check working order of communication equipment and back-up system and seek assistance if required

3.5 Identify and safely rectify minor faults or problems and inform relevant personnel of any ongoing problems

4. Operate follow spots

4.1 Operate follow spots to meet performance requirements and on cue or direction from relevant personnel or running sheet

4.2 Synchronise follow spot operation with other lighting and staging effects

4.3 Modify follow spot cues and operation as required to enhance performance requirements and for unexpected contingencies, and to cater for audience experience and own comfort

4.4 Identify and rectify problems safely and according to venue procedures, and inform relevant personnel as required

4.5 Identify the need for back-up systems and implement as required

4.6 Recalibrate follow spots after changing lamps as required

5. Shut down and disassemble equipment

5.1 Turn off power to follow spots and dismantle, store or cover equipment according to enterprise procedures and performance requirements

5.2 Note changes to cue sheets and update and file documentation as required according to enterprise procedures

5.3 Participate in reviews of overall performance to maximise creative outcomes in future productions

Evidence of the ability to:

set up, operate and power off follow spots and associated equipment safely and effectively, according to production documentation, performance requirements, enterprise instructions and safety procedures

collaborate with production team and performers during process, responding to the artistic and technical elements of a production, including cues, directions and performance requirements, in a timely and efficient manner

demonstrate different technical techniques in responding quickly and effectively to changing lighting cues, and sustained and unexpected movement by performers during productions

identify and rectify follow spot problems during pre-production and production according to enterprise procedures and with minimum disruption to work flows, informing relevant personnel of ongoing or complex problems as required

produce and adjust documentation throughout process according to enterprise procedures to support a smooth production and a review of outcomes to inform future productions.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

describe key optical and mechanical features and operations of the main types of lanterns, lamps and lantern accessories

describe different types and features of follow spots and their accessories, including incandescent and discharge units

explain the relationship between follow spot operation and other lighting effects

outline roles and responsibilities of lighting technicians, lighting assistants and particularly follow spot operators in the creative arts industry

identify typical problems with installing and operating follow spots and briefly describe solutions

discuss the impact of technology on lighting aspects of production operations

explain duty of care to the safety of colleagues and the general public while performing follow spot work, especially when on location

discuss work health and safety procedures that apply to installing and operating follow spots.

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

production documents

follow spots and accessories

a production requiring follow spots.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Install follow spots

1.1 Position follow spots and accessories according to relevant documentation and safety procedures, ensuring operator and audience safety

1.2 Install and secure spot technical support requirements according to procedures and specifications

1.3 Install manual colour changer correctly and colour according to lighting plans

1.4 Test follow spots to confirm they are operational and accessories are in working order, and seek assistance if required

1.5 Focus follow spots and check multiple spots for consistency of focus and colour temperature

2. Participate in technical or creative run-throughs

2.1 Rehearse technical aspects of production and communicate with performers and relevant personnel as required

2.2 Set back-up options in the event of an equipment malfunction and test to ensure they are in working order

2.3 Plot and run through cues on direction from relevant personnel and according to equipment, sequencing, timing and speed requirements

2.4 Note required equipment deficiencies or technical adjustments to equipment and cues, and modify cue sheets as required

2.5 Execute necessary changes according to modifications required

3. Prepare to operate follow spots

3.1 Power up and check follow spots and follow spot accessories and dimmer are in working order according to power-up procedures

3.2 Check colours and operation of colour changer

3.3 Confirm final requirements for equipment operation have been identified, implemented and documented

3.4 Check working order of communication equipment and back-up system and seek assistance if required

3.5 Identify and safely rectify minor faults or problems and inform relevant personnel of any ongoing problems

4. Operate follow spots

4.1 Operate follow spots to meet performance requirements and on cue or direction from relevant personnel or running sheet

4.2 Synchronise follow spot operation with other lighting and staging effects

4.3 Modify follow spot cues and operation as required to enhance performance requirements and for unexpected contingencies, and to cater for audience experience and own comfort

4.4 Identify and rectify problems safely and according to venue procedures, and inform relevant personnel as required

4.5 Identify the need for back-up systems and implement as required

4.6 Recalibrate follow spots after changing lamps as required

5. Shut down and disassemble equipment

5.1 Turn off power to follow spots and dismantle, store or cover equipment according to enterprise procedures and performance requirements

5.2 Note changes to cue sheets and update and file documentation as required according to enterprise procedures

5.3 Participate in reviews of overall performance to maximise creative outcomes in future productions

Evidence of the ability to:

set up, operate and power off follow spots and associated equipment safely and effectively, according to production documentation, performance requirements, enterprise instructions and safety procedures

collaborate with production team and performers during process, responding to the artistic and technical elements of a production, including cues, directions and performance requirements, in a timely and efficient manner

demonstrate different technical techniques in responding quickly and effectively to changing lighting cues, and sustained and unexpected movement by performers during productions

identify and rectify follow spot problems during pre-production and production according to enterprise procedures and with minimum disruption to work flows, informing relevant personnel of ongoing or complex problems as required

produce and adjust documentation throughout process according to enterprise procedures to support a smooth production and a review of outcomes to inform future productions.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

describe key optical and mechanical features and operations of the main types of lanterns, lamps and lantern accessories

describe different types and features of follow spots and their accessories, including incandescent and discharge units

explain the relationship between follow spot operation and other lighting effects

outline roles and responsibilities of lighting technicians, lighting assistants and particularly follow spot operators in the creative arts industry

identify typical problems with installing and operating follow spots and briefly describe solutions

discuss the impact of technology on lighting aspects of production operations

explain duty of care to the safety of colleagues and the general public while performing follow spot work, especially when on location

discuss work health and safety procedures that apply to installing and operating follow spots.

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

production documents

follow spots and accessories

a production requiring follow spots.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Position follow spots and accessories according to relevant documentation and safety procedures, ensuring operator and audience safety 
Install and secure spot technical support requirements according to procedures and specifications 
Install manual colour changer correctly and colour according to lighting plans 
Test follow spots to confirm they are operational and accessories are in working order, and seek assistance if required 
Focus follow spots and check multiple spots for consistency of focus and colour temperature 
Rehearse technical aspects of production and communicate with performers and relevant personnel as required 
Set back-up options in the event of an equipment malfunction and test to ensure they are in working order 
Plot and run through cues on direction from relevant personnel and according to equipment, sequencing, timing and speed requirements 
Note required equipment deficiencies or technical adjustments to equipment and cues, and modify cue sheets as required 
Execute necessary changes according to modifications required 
Power up and check follow spots and follow spot accessories and dimmer are in working order according to power-up procedures 
Check colours and operation of colour changer 
Confirm final requirements for equipment operation have been identified, implemented and documented 
Check working order of communication equipment and back-up system and seek assistance if required 
Identify and safely rectify minor faults or problems and inform relevant personnel of any ongoing problems 
Operate follow spots to meet performance requirements and on cue or direction from relevant personnel or running sheet 
Synchronise follow spot operation with other lighting and staging effects 
Modify follow spot cues and operation as required to enhance performance requirements and for unexpected contingencies, and to cater for audience experience and own comfort 
Identify and rectify problems safely and according to venue procedures, and inform relevant personnel as required 
Identify the need for back-up systems and implement as required 
Recalibrate follow spots after changing lamps as required 
Turn off power to follow spots and dismantle, store or cover equipment according to enterprise procedures and performance requirements 
Note changes to cue sheets and update and file documentation as required according to enterprise procedures 
Participate in reviews of overall performance to maximise creative outcomes in future productions 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUALGT304 - Install and operate follow spots
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessment Record Sheet

CUALGT304 - Install and operate follow spots

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

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